I have Dell Inspiron 3520, Can it power two 1 SSD and 1 HDD

Enhancing Storage on Your Dell Inspiron 3520: A Guide to Adding a 1TB HDD and SSD

If you’re looking to expand the storage capacity of your Dell Inspiron 3520, you’re not alone. Many users seek to maximize their laptop’s potential by adding additional drives. In this guide, we’ll explore the possibilities and best practices for installing a 3.5-inch HDD alongside existing SSDs, considering your specific hardware configuration.

Understanding Your Dell Inspiron 3520 Storage Layout

Your Dell Inspiron 3520 originally came with a 1TB 3.5-inch HDD. After experiencing issues, you replaced this HDD with a 256GB 2.5-inch SSD. Now, you wish to add back a 1TB HDD as secondary storage. Your system features:
– A single power connector.
– Two SATA ports.

Current Setup:
– A 2.5-inch SSD installed in the storage bay.
– An existing 3.5-inch bay available but with limited mounting options.

Challenges:
– Physical mounting of the new 3.5-inch HDD without screws.
– Power supply limitations.
– Ensuring data stability and hardware safety.

Can a 3.5-Inch HDD Be Installed Without Bolts?

Physically securing a hard drive is important to prevent vibrations, which can lead to data loss or hardware issues over time. While some users boot the drive loosely, it’s generally recommended to secure the drive with screws or appropriate mounting brackets. If space constraints prevent bolting, consider using anti-vibration mounts or foam padding to minimize movement.

Electrical and Connection Considerations

Using a single SATA power port to supply multiple drives is feasible by employing a SATA power splitter cable. These are inexpensive and readily available. Ensure that:
– The splitter is of good quality.
– Your power supply can handle the combined power draw of both drives.

Your system’s motherboard provides multiple SATA data ports, so you may also need a SATA data splitter or an available port for the second drive.

Recommended Solutions

1. Secure Mounting: Use anti-vibration mounts or brackets designed for 3.5-inch drives to ensure stability, even if screws aren’t used. Alternatively, secure the drive with foam or rubber padding within the drive bay.

2. Power Supply Splitter: Purchase a SATA power splitter cable to connect both drives to a single power port safely. Confirm your power supply’s capacity to support both drives.

3. **Connection to SATA Ports